About Our Hospital
Animals are treated by volunteer vets and are returned to the IRC to be prepared for release. Click here to learn more.
A Natural Release
The pet carrier resting on a 14-foot high stand serves as nest for owl chicks at the IRC. Click here for more on our "hack tower" project.
The Illinois Raptor Center admits a limited number of birds of prey or threatened or endangered species to our wildlife hospital.
Medical work is carried out by veterinarians who volunteer their time. The animals are later returned to the IRC to rest and be retrained for their release.
Birds and mammals passing through our center have been hit by cars, injured by cats and dogs, flown into power lines or plate glass windows, or have been hit by mowers or other machinery. Some are displaced by storms or by the removal of dead trees.
Call before attempting to rescue any animal
Often times, our volunteers can assess the situation over the phone. They may be able to determine if the animal really needs help. Also, please refer to our brochures, "How To Help Without Hurting" and "Rabies." These brochures cover important common sense information that will help keep you, your property, your pets and our native wildlife safe. Call us at (217) 963-6909. It is always the goal of the IRC to keep wild birds and mammals in the wild.
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| Two common loons are released on Lake Shelbyville after a few days of rest. The loons were found on a roadway after they mistook pavement for water and tried to land. Loons, and other water birds such as grebes, require water for take-off and landing. Therefore, the front-heavy birds were stuck until they could be transported to a body of water! Not all wildlife problems have simple (and happy) endings. Many can be solved with a little common sense. |
